After such a great NZ trip last year...After such a great NZ trip last year I had high hopes for the up and coming winter in Verbier, Switzerland, and so far over the last two months I have been far from disappointed!! The snow has been falling, the conditions have been holding well and the riding has been up to a new level.
Just last week I lost my Bec des Rosses virginity hiking up to the summit of one of the most famous mountains in the Freeride world. The hike was around 1h10 and when I stood at the top with Sam Smoothy (Winner of the FWT Chamonix tour this week), Bungle and Beanie (Faction Skier) it truly was a moment that makes you realise why we do what we do. The conditions were good and the snow was solid but it didn’t stop us from having our hearts beating at an incredible rate and our sphincters puckering.
The weekend before was the FWQ in La Clusaz with the qualifying face and final faces both around 600m vertical with pure ice at the top which led to a very painful but exhilarating run down. Unfortunately I slipped out on the icy section at the top, which meant a 20th place for me but it was a very well organised competition and a great weekend was had by all!
With the snow still falling outside and the season going as it is I feel the need to quote Mae West with “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” And I must say at the moment I agree!!
Posted by Vincent Rayner - Tue, 24/01/2012 - 12:19pm
After such a great NZ trip last year I had high hopes for the up and coming winter in Verbier, Switzerland, and so far over the last two months I have been far from disappointed!! The snow has been falling, the conditions have been holding well and the riding has been up to a new level.
Just last week I lost my Bec des Rosses virginity hiking up to the summit of one of the most famous mountains in the Freeride world. The hike was around 1h10 and when I stood at the top with Sam Smoothy (Winner of the FWT Chamonix tour this week), Bungle and Beanie (Faction Skier) it truly was a moment that makes you realise why we do what we do. The conditions were good and the snow was solid but it didn’t stop us from having our hearts beating at an incredible rate and our sphincters puckering.
The weekend before was the FWQ in La Clusaz with the qualifying face and final faces both around 600m vertical with pure ice at the top which led to a very painful but exhilarating run down. Unfortunately I slipped out on the icy section at the top, which meant a 20th place for me but it was a very well organised competition and a great weekend was had by all!
With the snow still falling outside and the season going as it is I feel the need to quote Mae West with “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” And I must say at the moment I agree!!